Tinubu Extends Working Vacation, To Return This Weekend

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and will return to Nigeria this weekend, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation and later moved to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice and Universal Music Group.

Onanuga said that despite his absence from the country, Tinubu had continued to direct the affairs of government, including ordering an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

While away, Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions. Shettima, however, left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

According to Onanuga, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also represented the President at official events, will continue to do so.

On the political front, Onanuga said the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, had been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.

The presidential aide also described as irresponsible the insinuations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict over Tinubu’s non-attendance at the United Nations General Assembly.

Shettima, who is representing the President at the global conference, will present Nigeria’s national statement.